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March 23rd is Cuddly Kitten Day. There are 3.2 million cats available for adoption in the United States, many of which are kittens. Your new pet is likely to live for approximately 15 years, providing many smiles and special moments every day. If you are adopting a kitten, you are bringing home a tiny ball of energy and mischief. There are some essentials you need to have ready before the big day arrives.
1. Food and Water Bowls
Your kitten will need food and fresh water every day. Food and water bowls for kittens come in several materials. Experts recommend either ceramic bowls with a nontoxic glaze or stainless steel bowls. Kittens will often paw at their food and water dishes, so you should try to find bowls that won't tip over easily or slide around on the floor. Look for bowls that are dishwasher safe; it doesn't make a difference to your kitten, but it makes cleanup a little easier for you.
2. Kitten Food
Because kittens are still growing, they need more nutrients than adult cats do. Therefore, they need special kitten food formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. You'll feed your new pet kitten food for at least the first six months of her life. After that, you should ask your vet whether your kitty needs to continue on kitten food or switch to food for adult cats.
Adult cats should not eat kitten food because the extra nutrients can cause them to put on too much weight. You should probably stop feeding your pet kitten food around the time he is a year old, but follow your vet's specific guidance.
3. Litter Box
You should have a litter box filled with cat litter ready before you bring your kitten home. Kittens tend to prefer a litter box with an open top. If your kitten is small, try to get a low litter box, perhaps with soft sides, so she can get in and out easily.
It's instinctual for cats to look for fine gravel or sandy soil in which to do their business. Therefore, your new kitten should pick up on the purpose of the litter box without much training or guidance from you. However, kittens may accidentally swallow the litter. To prevent intestinal blockages, use a non-clumping litter until your vet informs you that it is safe to switch to the clumping kind.
4. Scratching Surface or Cat Tree
Not all of your kitten's instinctual behaviors are as convenient as their predisposition to use a litter box. For example, even young kittens have an instinct to scratch. This is how they keep their claws in good condition and mark their territory. Provide a scratching surface and reward your kitten for using it. Otherwise, your new pet may destroy your furniture or carpets.
In the wild, cats climb up in trees to look for prey and watch out for predators. Domestic cats feel safer if they have a tall perch where they can rest and survey what's going on below them. Kittens sometimes climb up on tall cabinets or doors and have trouble getting back down. A cat tree is a good investment because your pet will continue to get enjoyment from it even when he is fully grown.
5. Breakaway Collar
It's easy for a small cat to get lost in a big house. You might want your kitten to wear a collar with a bell that rings with movement so you can find your little explorer. All cats, no matter their age, should wear breakaway collars. A breakaway collar comes apart if it snags on something to free your cat and avoid strangulation.
6. Carrier or Harness
You need a way to restrain your kitten while going to the vet. Pet carriers with soft sides or hard sides keep your kitten safe and prevent her from wandering off. A carrier sized for adult cats or small dogs should be fine to buy for your kitten, and you don't have to replace it even as she grows.
As your kitten gets older, you may want the option to walk him on a leash when you travel. For this, you need a cat harness because it is not safe to attach a leash to a cat's collar.
7. Grooming Tools
Cats are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, but some need brushing to prevent mats. Long-haired cats are more susceptible to painful matting. You may also need to trim your kitten's claws from time to time. This four-piece starter kithas all the tools you may need to groom your new pet.
8. Kitten Toys
Cats have a predator instinct that causes them to pounce and chase just about anything that moves. You need cat toys right away so your kitten can channel her boundless energy. Cats have preferences in toys, so you should have a good variety on hand at first, including the following:
• Wands or teasers
• Jingle balls
• Laser pointers
You shouldn't give a kitten catnip toys until he is at least three months old. Catnip doesn't hurt kittens, but it doesn't affect them until they are three to six months old. If you give it to them too early, they may build up a tolerance for it, meaning that it may never have an effect even when they are older.
You'll probably take your new kitten to the vet for a check-up shortly after bringing her home. This is a good opportunity to establish a relationship and ask any questions you may have.
